Wakefield Wetherspoons set to reopen

Social distancing measures will be in place as soon as the Six Chimneys Pub on Kirkgate gets the go-ahead from the government.

Wetherspoons has been keen to reopen and employ two full time staff per pub, with slightly more for bigger pubs, who will regularly clean surfaces and touch points throughout

the pubs.

The chain said it had undertaken extensive employee consultation and has also consulted with many of its suppliers and contractors, as well as referring to UK Hospitality guidelines.

The Six Chimneys will have screens at the till point. There will also be screens to create seating areas where it is not possible to separate the tables to the social distancing requirement.

Wetherspoon will provide gloves, masks and protective eyewear. Employees can decide whether to wear them or not, subject to government guidelines

There will be an average ten hand sanitiser dispensers around the pub, including at the entrance for customers and staff to use.

The firm said every employee will need to complete and sign a daily health assessment questionnaire to confirm that they are fit to work. This will include having their temperature taken using a digital thermometer.

Staff will monitor the pub at all times in order to maintain social distancing standards and there will be a member of staff on the door at peak times.

The pub will use one entrance with a separate exit door where possible.

Customer entry and exit will be marked out by floor stickers and/or barriers and there will be clear printed information providing guidance to customers as they enter the pub.

Customers will be asked to use the Wetherspoon order and pay app, wherever possible, or pay at the bar using a credit/debit card and contactless, although cash will be accepted.

Staff will hand over all drinks holding the base of the glass and when ordered by the app they will be delivered to the table on a tray and placed on the table using the base of the glass.

Food will be delivered to the table by a member of floor staff.

The pub will also offer a slightly reduced menu and will provide sachets (ketchup, mayonnaise, salt pepper etc), rather than their usual condiment bottles.

David Bown, manager at The Six Chimneys, said: “At present the government have not confirmed any reopening date for pubs.

“However, it is important that we are prepared for any announcement.

“We have spent a number of weeks consulting with staff who work in our pubs, as well as area managers in order to draw up our plans.

“The safety of staff and customers is paramount.”